Hijab Series: The Commandment of Hijab
Hijab Series: The Hijab Series is a series of blog posts answering all the who, what, when, where and why's of wearing the Hijab. Instead of putting everything you need to know about wearing the Hijab into one post, I decided to divide it up into a few shorter blog posts. I have tried my best to answer everything that I wish I had known before wearing the Hijab, but if there's anything else you want me to add, be sure to comment it below!
The purpose of our existence, as stated in the Qur'an by Allah is: "And I have not created the Jinn and the men but that they may worship Me" [51:57]. Worshipping Allah includes obeying all of His commands, one of which is for men and women to be modest in the way they dress, act, speak etc.
QUR'AN
Allah states in the Holy Qur'an in Chapter 24: Al-Nur Verse 32:
"And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts, and that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they disclose not their beauty save to their husbands..."
In this verse, the 'head-covering' refers to a veil that covers the lower part of the face leaving only the eyes and nose exposed, as well as the chest being covered. One of the purposes of this covering is that "...it is most likely that they will thus be distinguished and not molested" [33:60]. Basically, what this means is that our outer garment (the veil) is intended to let others know that we are Muslim women, and to spare us the mental anguish of being stared at by the eyes of people who have questionable character.
Huzur (may Allah strengthen his hands) has defined the 'minimum Islamic purdah' as wearing a loose fitting outer garment and a headscarf. The face can be left uncovered, if no makeup is worn. However, this purdah requirement is more adequate for sisters new to Islam (who are unable to wear the complete burqa). He has also advised women born and raised in Pakistan (who have moved to Western countries) to maintain the form of purdah that they practised there (in Pakistan).
Huzur (may Allah strengthen his hands), stated in the Concluding Address delivered to Lajna at the Annual Ijtema UK:
“With reference to women, the attacks that are being levied against Islam these days relate to the issue of ‘Purdah’, or wearing of the veil or a scarf. Men can present countless explanations and justifications in support of the institution of ‘Purdah’ in Islam. However, if anyone can answer this attack, it is a practicing and a God fearing Ahmadi woman who can demonstrate the proper answer. Therefore, instead of becoming the victim of any complex, like a brave Ahmadi Muslim woman, with your practice and with your arguments, convey this message to your friends and in your society that this Quranic teaching is to safeguard your chastity. It is there to restore your lost honor. It is not an imprisonment.” He went on to say that: "Purdah is an Islamic injunction and a distinctive mark of an Ahmadi woman. It bestows honor to an Ahmadi woman. Remember that along with the scarf, the remainder of dress should be loose fitting. Allah’s commandment is that your beauty should not be revealed. Some non-Ahmadi girls can be seen wearing a scarf in reaction to this prohibition on the wearing of a scarf, but they are wearing tight jeans and blouses. Such ‘Purdah’ is of no value. It is total hypocrisy. ‘Purdah’ should be such that is truly ‘Purdah’ and is befitting your honorable status.” [November 19, 2006]
MODESTY IN OTHER RELIGIONS
Purdah and modesty has been taught by all religions, but over time, people have made up their own guidelines. In the Holy Qur'an there is an incident from the time of Moses about two women who were standing to one side and not watering their herd. They were doing so, due to modesty. They wished to wait for the men to leave before they watered them. Modesty is part of every faith. In the early days, Christian women used to observe Purdah as well. Many places in the Bible contain this teaching about Purdah. We can't be influenced by people of other faiths who choose not to observe Purdah in this day and age, as they have abandoned their religion. All religions are made to be followed correctly. The following are a few verses from the Bible that will show you the similarity in the command of modesty:
- “Any man who prays or prophesizes with something on his head disgraces his head but if any woman who prays or prophesizes with her head unveiled disgraces her head. It is one and the same thing as having her head shaved. For if a woman will not veil herself then she should cut off her hair. But, if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil. For a man ought not to have his head veiled since he is the image and reflection of God but the woman is a reflection of man” (1 Corinthians 11:4-7)
- “Women must not wear men’s clothing nor a man wear women’s clothing for the Lord your God detests anyone who does this” (Deuteronomy 22:5)
Allah knows what is best for us, so placing this commandment in the Holy Qur'an must have been for our own good. Just remember the words of our Khalifa (may Allah strengthen his hands),
"The secret to our success is in following the instructions of the Holy Qur'an"
[January 30th, 2004 - Friday Sermon].
I pray that every Ahmadi woman reevaluate herself if she has even the slightest doubt in Allah's commands. And I pray each of us become "resigned, believing, obedient, always turning to God, devout in worship" [Holy Qur'an 66:6]. May Allah enable all of us to fully understand the reason for observing Purdah, and then try to follow this command, Insha'Allah Ameen!
Take Care!
Stay Tuned For More Posts in the Hijab Series -
Hijab Series: How To Start Wearing the Hijab
Hijab Series: How To Rebut Stereotypes About Hijab
Hijab Series: My Hijab Story
2 comments
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